Morning all.
What a great way to start 2025 as far as Arsenal is concerned.
Mikel Arteta opted to give Riccardo Calafiori a start yesterday with Myles Lewis-Skelly on the bench. I’m sure a number of Arsenal fans expected to see Gabriel Martinelli on the right but no, 17 year old Ethan Nwaneri was given his first Premier League start and he didn’t disappoint.
For the opening ten minutes, Brentford barely touched the ball but in a flash, they were 1-0 up. A poor goal to concede I thought as both Calafiori and David Raya could have done better. I know, it’s easy from the comfort of my own home. The Spaniard was called into action again, Keane Lewis-Potter with a shot which Raya couldn’t get a grip of. As the ball looked to be heading into the back of the net, Raya somehow got his hand to it. A big moment in the game as it turned out.
With 30 minutes of the game gone, we equalised through Gabriel Jesus. Thomas Partey hit a wonderful shot which Flekken could only parry and our number 9 was in the perfect position to nod home the loose ball.
A quick-fire brace after halftime not only shocked Brentford but beat them too. I love a scrappy goal just as much as a classic because it doesn’t matter how they go in. At least the commentators on TNT realised that set-pieces are part of the game.
Arsenal had a corner which Ethan Nwaneri swung into the box. Flekken tried to clear the ball but failed. Jesus took a shot which was blocked but not cleared. Mikel Merino pounced to give us the lead.
Our 3rd was a thing of beauty with Ethan Nwaneri again involved in the buildup. His cross, Gabriel Martinelli’s wonderful strike.
There was a lot more going on in the game than the goals like Jurrien Timber picking up a booking which means he’ll miss Saturdays match against Brighton and poor old Jesus was caught in the choppers which drew blood. The home fans thought he was faking it but he wasn’t. For some reason, Thomas Partey continues to be booed by opposition fans which is bonkers in my opinion but once again, he was excellent.
Their goal aside, I thought the team played well. We were quicker with our passing and sharp in the box. Going to the Gtech Stadium and winning 3-1 is not to be underrated in my opinion. They don’t lose at home very often and we’ve been struggling on our travels at times. Yes, Brentford were missing a few players but so were we. Big players too in Ben White, Bukayo Saka and leading goal scorer Kai Havertz. Plus, Declan Rice was on the bench. We had 17 year old Ethan Nwaneri trying to fill the boots of Bukayo Saka and the boy did really really well. His Premier League career started against Brentford and last night, he shone against Brentford.
I feel kind of sad watching Thomas Partey play this season because he’s showing us all what we’ve missed, what the team has missed. It reminds me of what might have been had Arsene Wenger had a fit Abou Diaby to call upon years ago or Tomas Rosicky and Jack Wilshere at the time. What might have been last season and the one before had Partey not been missing for so long.
Still, history cannot be rewritten and injuries are part and parcel of the game but there’s a difference between a couple of months on the sidelines and a couple of years.
Catch up in the comments.
Morning Rico.
It was a nervous start for us fans and David Raya, maybe his past somehow haunted him returning to his former home but our quality shone through. Wow, this kid Nwaneri is someone we have to make sure we don’t let one of our oppos jump in and steal him away.
I believe Partey’s booing is down to some alleged fake news? Hopefully it’s having a counter effect as his quality (as you mentioned) is really starting to show.
Good morning Rico, a very good away win under difficult circumstances, sickness in the squad and. Rice not fit enough to start, and an early goal conceded but the team didn’t blink.
100% record in 2025.
Heavy snow here at the moment, not forecast to last though.
Morning Berg, Cicero.
Very nervous start after they went ahead from their first real moment of possession. How Raya managed to prevent us from going 2-0 down after his out of character gaff, I don’t know but thank goodness he did.
Thought Merino had a good game. No fuss, just got on with it.
For sure Berg re Partey but it’s bonkers as no one, let alone Partey has ever been charged let alone gone to court.
Arteta reckons those with the bug will be fine for Brighton which is good. White must be very close to a return too.
On Merino Rico, he’s one of those players that often looks like he’ll take some time to get up to EPL speed but his last one or two games including Brentford he’s looked more composed so hopefully there’s even more to come there.
The left back position will be interesting, I think Calafiori can play there so MLS could start v Brighton as right back if Ben still isn’t ready.
Morning and nice post Rico, makes you wonder if it’s just a change of luck or maybe the medical/coaching team finding a different way of approaching fitness at the club. Thing’s constantly evolve and the difference in Partey is stark, to such a degree that maybe a new deal could be in the pipeline?
I saw a bit of the Sunderland vs Sheff Utd game yesterday (I know how to live) and was struck by how good Jobe Bellingham looked in a position where we may need strengthening pretty soon. I liked his attitude and maturity not least his technique, £20m is a lot for a guy who is only 19 but those are the kind of deals that I really enjoy, apparently Dortmund are interested among several other clubs.
I think so too Berg, not only do players need to learn a new way but no league is like the Premier League imo, it’s tougher and more physical.
Morning Kev, thanks.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Partey offered a new deal. Whether he’d accept it though is a different matter as he might see a free move as his last big pay day…
Afternoon Rico and all.
Just watch highlights. I wonder if Jesus didn’t score, would VAR had sent the ref to the monitor to view holding our players shirt. good to see the team fight back straight away after letting them score, followed by a nice win to keep the pressure on the teams around them.
Without sounding like an old know it all, I recall mentioning Jobe Bellingham a year or so ago when he was playing for Birmingham. I never really understand why we as a club don’t bring in the odd player or two from the Championship or League one as I’m sure there are some cracking young players in both leagues.
Afternoon Geoff, thankfully, he scored..
As well as Dani Olmo, Pau Víctor could be available this month as both haven’t be registered with Barcelona. Both attacking players..
A fantastic result. For a few minutes I thought it was going to be one of those days when nothing goes right,it had all the hallmarks,Brentford scoring totally against the run of play,an out of character goalkeeping error.
Partey was terrific,Nwaneri pure class,it’s supposed to be a risk playing a 17 year old.
I get the feeling all of football is against us,I really hate the way opponent’s fans are quick to start the same old Arsenal always cheating chant,when we get more rough treatment than most,it’s a back handed compliment I suppose.
I’m not worried if we don’t buy an attacking player in this window with Nwaneri proving he’s up to it.
Obviously if Arteta feels the need for a bit more rotation so be it, but you have to keep them all happy (playing often) or risk losing them.
Nwaneri is very mature like Saka and Cesc at a young age so for me he’s an upgrade on the loanees we have out.
Me too Limey, Bankes took some stick from the fans too. I guess they’re not used to having decisions going against them. Pathetic really.
Relying on a 17 year old would be risky imo. I’ll be disappointed if we don’t sign an attacking player this month, preferably someone who’ll score goals.
Admitedly there is a bit of a risk but we’ve done it previously with Saka and Cesc?
I’m concerned if we signed someone like Nico Williams who would expect to play regularly then Nwaneri will be pushed back and with his talents could look elsewhere, I don’t think he’d get much game time behind BS07 when fit and MO08. It’s a tricky balancing act but hopefully there’s a bit of tactical tweeking behind the scenes to get more goals.
Sterling is a stop gap so once he’s gone, more chances for Nwaneri imo. Then, Trossard could possibly go in the summer, Jorginho, Partey too. I think Nwaneri will prove to be too good to be left out.
A loan deal for 5 months would be best solution imo.
AS Monaco have reportedly agreed terms with Mika Biereth and now need to agree a transfer fee with Sturm Graz.
Arsenal will get a slice of the fee…
Every little helps…
I wonder how much Monaco are paying for him. A lot more than the reported £4m we got I bet..
Villa are trying to sign Malen from Dortmund…
Good evening Rico and all
An enjoyable post Rico. As good as how much I enjoyed the game itself
Nwaneri is here to stay. He will not be loaned. for now he will be rotated but I believe that eventually Odegaard will drop deeper and Nwaneri takes his place behind the striker. Next season will see our midfield three being made up of Rice, Odegaard, Havertz, Nwaneri, Merino, Skelly. Nwaneri will not be rotated with Saka although atm he is adapting slowly to the EPL and first team in the cups. Lewis Skelly will not remain at LB but will eventually go to midfield as well to replace Partey.
Evening Devil, there’s a lot of will’s and wonts in there. 😂
I do agree though, Nwaneri won’t be going on loan now, not Lewis-Skelly. They’re both our future and our present.
A 17 year old may look good for a few matches but will he be able to play all season week in week out. I am not confident they can, there is a big difference between playing for under 21 and the senior team,
Have we signed anyone yet?
Cicero yes 4 goal keepers and one injured player who will be out for 2 years, other than that. no one else yet.
Morning Rico and all
And a frosty morning to you all…
It seems that Olmo has still not sorted things with Barca and La Liga and officially is free to move away . In El Mundo his agent says that he does not want to play elsewhere and leave Barcelona but also says that he wants to play and not sit in the stands .
Maybe a loan is on the cards.
A good player no doubt , But is he the player that we want ?
Another Odegaard , Merino , Nwaneri , an attacking midfielder that can score goals . But do we need him ?
Stories (of the fake news variety) keep popping up on YouTube saying Viktor Gyokeres is a done deal.
There’s a few dodgy Arsenal transfer sites on YouTube, don’t read the headline, see whose put it up, that’ll tell ya it’s authenticity.
If Tierney doesn’t play in one of the next 3 games, it’s possible he could return to Celtic.
Good evening everyone.
According to various Italian media outlets Matheus Cunha will soon be an Arsenal player.
I doubt Wolves will let him leave though money always talks. But I dont want Arsenal to overpay for him. Acc to Italian media Arsenal are talking to player first for an agreement which will smooth the process. I doubt that.
Anyone here would like Cunha??
Another source (various of them actually) seem to suggest Evan Ferguson. This guy I really like and he is still young, a teenager. This one has legs I think as he fits the bill due to his strength, height and knowhow of EPL. Plus being a teenager he still has a lot to learn.
He ceased to be a teenager back in October, 13 goals in 59 appearances for Brighton is not that impressive.
We should get a look at him this evening.
Havertz back in the squad after recovering from illness, hangover? 😉
Ferguson is injured I think..
Morning Cicero, all.
New post up